Body region
Shoulder
Learn how shoulder anatomy, symptoms, common injuries and recovery guidance connect.
Showing 104 pages
Anatomy
43Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint
Learn about the acromioclavicular (AC) joint — its location, function, ligament support, and the injuries and pain patterns linked to it.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-002Axillary Nerve
Learn about the axillary nerve — its course, the muscles it supplies, and its link to shoulder dislocation and deltoid weakness.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-004Brachial Plexus (Shoulder Overview)
Learn about the brachial plexus and its role in the shoulder — the nerve network supplying the arm, including its structure and related injuries.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-005Clavicle (Collarbone)
Learn about the clavicle (collarbone) — its location, function, connections, and the injuries and pain patterns linked to it, explained in plain English.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-025Coracoacromial Ligament
Learn where the coracoacromial ligament sits, how it forms the arch above the shoulder, and why it matters in shoulder pain and surgery.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-027Coracoclavicular Ligament
Explore the conoid and trapezoid parts of the coracoclavicular ligament and their role in AC joint stability and shoulder separations.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-028Coracohumeral Ligament
Learn where the coracohumeral ligament sits, how it supports the shoulder, and why it is relevant to frozen shoulder and instability.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-006Deltoid
Learn about the deltoid muscle — the main shoulder-cap muscle — including its origin, insertion, nerve supply, action, and related injuries.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-029Dorsal Scapular Nerve
Learn the course and function of the dorsal scapular nerve and how irritation may affect the rhomboids, levator scapulae and shoulder blade.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-007Glenohumeral Joint (Shoulder Socket Joint)
Learn about the glenohumeral joint — the main shoulder socket joint — including its location, function, stability structures, and related injuries.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-041Glenohumeral Joint Capsule
Learn how the glenohumeral joint capsule surrounds the shoulder, permits movement, supports stability and relates to frozen shoulder and instability.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-008Proximal Humerus (Upper Arm Bone — Shoulder End)
Learn about the proximal humerus — the shoulder end of the upper arm bone — including its location, function, connections, and related injuries.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-042Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament Complex
Learn how the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex supports the raised shoulder and why it matters in dislocation and instability.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-009Infraspinatus
Learn about the infraspinatus muscle — one of the four rotator cuff muscles — including its origin, insertion, nerve supply, action, and related injuries.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-049Infraspinatus Bursa
See where the small infraspinatus bursa sits behind the shoulder and how it helps the infraspinatus tendon glide near the joint capsule.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-030Latissimus Dorsi
Learn how the latissimus dorsi connects the trunk to the upper arm and powers pulling, climbing, swimming and shoulder extension.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-031Levator Scapulae
Learn where the levator scapulae runs, how it elevates the shoulder blade, and why discomfort can be felt from the neck to the upper scapula.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-032Long Thoracic Nerve
Explore the course of the long thoracic nerve, its role in serratus anterior function, and how injury can cause scapular winging.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-043Middle Glenohumeral Ligament
Learn where the middle glenohumeral ligament sits, how it helps control the shoulder and why its anatomy varies considerably between people.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-034Medial and Lateral Pectoral Nerves
Learn how the medial and lateral pectoral nerves arise from the brachial plexus and supply the chest and shoulder muscles.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-035Pectoralis Major
Learn how the pectoralis major moves the shoulder during pressing and how its clavicular, sternocostal and abdominal portions attach to the upper arm.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-036Pectoralis Minor
Learn where pectoralis minor sits beneath the chest muscle and how it tilts, protracts and stabilises the shoulder blade.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-037Rhomboid Major and Minor
Learn how the rhomboid major and minor connect the spine to the shoulder blade and help retract and stabilise the scapula.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-010Rotator Cuff (Overview)
Learn about the rotator cuff — the four-muscle group that stabilizes the shoulder — including function, common injuries, and pain patterns.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-011Scapula (Shoulder Blade)
Learn about the scapula (shoulder blade) — its location, function, connections, and the injuries and pain patterns linked to it, explained in plain English.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-012Scapulothoracic Joint
Learn about the scapulothoracic joint — the gliding connection between the shoulder blade and ribcage — including its function and related conditions.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-038Serratus Anterior
Learn where the serratus anterior sits, how it controls the shoulder blade during reaching and overhead motion, and why weakness can cause scapular winging.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-013Shoulder Ligaments
Learn about the shoulder's key ligaments — glenohumeral, coracoacromial, and coracoclavicular — including their function and related injuries.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-014Sternoclavicular (SC) Joint
Learn about the sternoclavicular (SC) joint — its location, function, ligament support, and the injuries and pain patterns linked to it.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-015Subacromial Bursa
Learn about the subacromial bursa — the shoulder's cushioning sac — including its location, function, and its role in subacromial bursitis.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-047Nerve to Subclavius
Learn where the nerve to subclavius begins, which muscle it supplies and why this small branch helps complete the brachial plexus map.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-039Upper and Lower Subscapular Nerves
Explore the upper and lower subscapular nerves and how they supply subscapularis and teres major.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-016Subscapularis
Learn about the subscapularis muscle — one of the four rotator cuff muscles — including its origin, insertion, nerve supply, action, and related injuries.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-050Subscapularis Bursa
Learn where the subscapularis bursa sits at the front of the shoulder and why it often communicates with the shoulder joint.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-044Superior Glenohumeral Ligament
Learn where the superior glenohumeral ligament sits, how it supports the shoulder and why it is connected to the rotator interval and biceps tendon.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-017Suprascapular Nerve
Learn about the suprascapular nerve — its course, the muscles it supplies, and the nerve compression conditions linked to it.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-018Supraspinatus
Learn about the supraspinatus muscle — one of the four rotator cuff muscles — including its origin, insertion, nerve supply, action, and related injuries.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-024Teres Major
Learn about the teres major muscle — its origin, insertion, nerve supply, action, and how it differs from the teres minor and the rotator cuff.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-051Teres Major Bursa
See where the small teres major bursa sits and how it reduces friction near the teres major tendon behind the shoulder.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-019Teres Minor
Learn about the teres minor muscle — one of the four rotator cuff muscles — including its origin, insertion, nerve supply, action, and related injuries.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-052Thoracoacromial Artery
Follow the thoracoacromial artery from the axillary artery toward the chest and shoulder, including the branch that supplies the deltoid.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-040Transverse Humeral Ligament
Learn about the transverse humeral ligament, the bicipital groove, and the structures that stabilize the long-head biceps tendon.
Read guide →IA-SHO-ANA-020Trapezius
Learn about the trapezius muscle — its location, function, three regions, and the pain patterns and issues commonly linked to it.
Read guide →Exercises
12Cable Lateral Raise
Learn cable lateral raise form for side-delt strength, with setup, benefits, common mistakes and progressions.
Read guide →IA-SHO-EXE-012Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Learn dumbbell shoulder press form, muscles worked, benefits, common mistakes and safe progressions.
Read guide →IA-SHO-EXE-001Empty Can Raise
The empty can raise strengthens the supraspinatus but is clinically debated. Learn safe technique, who should avoid it, and the full can alternative.
Read guide →IA-SHO-EXE-002External Rotation with Resistance Band
Step-by-step guide to the external rotation with band exercise for strengthening the rotator cuff. Includes mistakes to avoid and who should skip it.
Read guide →IA-SHO-EXE-003Internal Rotation with Resistance Band
Learn the internal rotation with band exercise for shoulder strength and rotator cuff rehab, including step-by-step form, common mistakes, and who should avoid it.
Read guide →IA-SHO-EXE-004Isometric Shoulder Holds
Learn how to do isometric shoulder holds — a gentle, pain-friendly way to build early strength after a shoulder injury. Steps, mistakes, and progressions.
Read guide →IA-SHO-EXE-005Pendulum Exercise (Codman Exercise) for the Shoulder
Learn how to do the pendulum (Codman) exercise safely for shoulder stiffness, pain, or early rehab. Step-by-step instructions, mistakes to avoid, and who should skip it.
Read guide →IA-SHO-EXE-006Prone Y-T Raise
How to perform the prone Y-T raise to strengthen your shoulder blade stabilizers and rotator cuff. Steps, common mistakes, and progressions included.
Read guide →IA-SHO-EXE-007Scapular Retraction Row
How to perform the scapular retraction row to strengthen your mid-back and improve shoulder posture. Includes steps, common mistakes, and progressions.
Read guide →IA-SHO-EXE-008Serratus Anterior Punch
Learn the serratus anterior punch to strengthen shoulder blade control and support healthy overhead movement. Includes steps, mistakes, and progressions.
Read guide →IA-SHO-EXE-011Standing Overhead Barbell Press
Learn standing overhead barbell press form, muscles worked, benefits, carryover and safety cues.
Read guide →IA-SHO-EXE-009Wall Slides for Shoulder Mobility and Control
Step-by-step guide to wall slides for improving shoulder blade movement and overhead mobility. Includes common mistakes and progressions.
Read guide →Glossary
2The Muscular System: How Muscles Work
A plain-English overview of the muscular system: the three muscle types, how skeletal muscles are organized, how they get their names, and how muscle contraction works.
Read guide →IA-SHO-GLO-001Shoulder Glossary
An alphabetized glossary of shoulder anatomy, injury, and movement terms, explained in plain English for InjuryAtlas readers.
Read guide →Injuries
13Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injury
Learn about acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries — the grading system, symptoms, and how separated shoulders are typically treated.
Read guide →IA-SHO-INJ-002Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
Understand frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) — its stages, causes, symptoms, and how it's typically treated over time.
Read guide →IA-SHO-INJ-003Biceps Tendinopathy (Long Head of Biceps)
Understand biceps tendinopathy (biceps tendinitis) in the shoulder — why it happens, what it feels like, and how it's treated.
Read guide →IA-SHO-INJ-020Chronic Shoulder Instability
Shoulder instability can feel like slipping, giving way or repeated partial dislocation. Learn what it means, what rehabilitation targets and when to get assessed.
Read guide →IA-SHO-INJ-004Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)
Learn about clavicle fractures (broken collarbones) — why they happen, what they feel like, and how they're typically treated, from a sling to surgery.
Read guide →IA-SHO-INJ-005Labral Tear (SLAP Lesion)
Learn about labral tears and SLAP lesions in the shoulder — causes, symptoms, and how they're typically diagnosed and treated.
Read guide →IA-SHO-INJ-006Proximal Humerus Fracture (Shoulder Fracture)
Learn about proximal humerus fractures — a break near the top of the upper arm bone — including causes, symptoms, treatment, and recovery.
Read guide →IA-SHO-INJ-007Rotator Cuff Tear
Learn about rotator cuff tears — why they happen, what they feel like, and how they're typically treated, from self-care to surgery.
Read guide →IA-SHO-INJ-008Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Learn about rotator cuff tendinitis (tendinopathy) — how it differs from a tear, common causes, and how it's typically treated.
Read guide →IA-SHO-INJ-009Shoulder Dislocation
Learn what happens during a shoulder dislocation, why it occurs, and how recovery and rehabilitation typically progress.
Read guide →IA-SHO-INJ-010Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Understand shoulder impingement syndrome — why overhead movement becomes painful, and how it's typically managed and treated.
Read guide →IA-SHO-INJ-011Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Learn about shoulder osteoarthritis — how joint cartilage wears down over time, common symptoms, and treatment options.
Read guide →IA-SHO-INJ-012Subacromial Bursitis
Learn what causes subacromial bursitis, what it feels like, and how it's typically treated — from rest to injections.
Read guide →Prevention
4General Shoulder Health and Posture
The everyday habits, posture principles, and simple exercises that support long-term shoulder health for people of all activity levels.
Read guide →IA-SHO-PRE-002Preventing Rotator Cuff Injuries
Learn the daily habits, warm-ups, and strengthening moves that help prevent rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, and impingement — explained simply.
Read guide →IA-SHO-PRE-003Shoulder Injury Prevention for Desk Workers
Practical ergonomics, posture, and exercise tips to prevent shoulder pain and stiffness from long hours at a desk or computer.
Read guide →IA-SHO-PRE-004Shoulder Injury Prevention for Overhead Athletes
A practical prevention guide for throwers, swimmers, and overhead athletes to reduce shoulder injury risk, with warm-up and strengthening routines.
Read guide →Recovery timelines
7AC Joint Injury Recovery Timeline
A realistic recovery timeline for AC joint (acromioclavicular joint) injuries, broken down by grade of separation, from mild sprains to full surgical repair.
Read guide →IA-SHO-REC-006Clavicle Fracture Recovery Timeline
How long does a broken collarbone take to heal? A realistic clavicle fracture recovery timeline, from sling to full return to sport.
Read guide →IA-SHO-REC-002Frozen Shoulder Recovery Timeline
A realistic recovery timeline for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), covering the freezing, frozen, and thawing phases over 12-24 months.
Read guide →IA-SHO-REC-007Proximal Humerus Fracture Recovery Timeline
How long does a broken shoulder take to heal? A realistic proximal humerus fracture recovery timeline — sling, range, strength and return to activity.
Read guide →IA-SHO-REC-003Rotator Cuff Tear Recovery Timeline
A realistic, evidence-based recovery timeline for rotator cuff tears, covering non-surgical and surgical recovery, key milestones, and what affects healing speed.
Read guide →IA-SHO-REC-004Shoulder Dislocation Recovery Timeline
A realistic recovery timeline after a shoulder dislocation, covering immobilization, rehab milestones, and return-to-sport timing.
Read guide →IA-SHO-REC-005Shoulder Impingement Recovery Timeline
A realistic recovery timeline for shoulder impingement syndrome, including what affects healing speed and what to expect week by week.
Read guide →Rehabilitation
6Frozen Shoulder Rehab Guide
A phase-by-phase rehabilitation guide for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), including exercises, stretches, and what to expect at each stage.
Read guide →IA-SHO-REH-002General Shoulder Rehabilitation Principles
Core principles behind shoulder rehabilitation that apply across most shoulder injuries, including phased progression, exercise selection, and when to seek help.
Read guide →IA-SHO-REH-003Post-Dislocation Shoulder Rehab Guide
A phase-by-phase rehabilitation guide for recovering after a shoulder dislocation, covering protection, strengthening, and safe return to sport or activity.
Read guide →IA-SHO-REH-006Rotator Cuff Repair Rehabilitation Guide
A phase-by-phase rotator cuff repair rehabilitation guide — sling protection, passive range, strengthening and return to sport. Includes precautions and red flags.
Read guide →IA-SHO-REH-004Rotator Cuff Tear Rehab Guide
A clear, phase-by-phase rehabilitation guide for rotator cuff tears, covering early protection through return to full activity, with exercises and progression criteria.
Read guide →IA-SHO-REH-005Shoulder Impingement Rehab Guide
A step-by-step rehabilitation guide for shoulder impingement syndrome, with exercises, stretches, and progression criteria for each recovery phase.
Read guide →Stretches
6Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch
Learn the cross-body shoulder stretch to ease tightness in the back of the shoulder. Includes hold times, reps, common mistakes, and who should avoid it.
Read guide →IA-SHO-STR-002Doorway Pec Stretch
Learn the doorway pec stretch to loosen tight chest muscles that pull the shoulder forward. Includes hold times, steps, and who should avoid it.
Read guide →IA-SHO-STR-003Overhead Triceps and Shoulder Stretch
Learn the overhead triceps and shoulder stretch to ease tightness in the back of the upper arm and top of the shoulder. Steps, hold times, and cautions.
Read guide →IA-SHO-STR-004Posterior Capsule Stretch
Learn the posterior capsule stretch to ease tightness deep in the back of the shoulder joint. Steps, hold times, and who should avoid it.
Read guide →IA-SHO-STR-005Sleeper Stretch
Learn how to do the sleeper stretch to improve internal shoulder rotation and ease posterior capsule tightness, common in throwing athletes.
Read guide →IA-SHO-STR-006Towel Stretch for Internal Rotation
Learn the towel stretch to improve your ability to reach behind your back. Steps, hold times, common mistakes, and who should avoid this stretch.
Read guide →Symptoms
11Numbness or Tingling in the Arm or Hand
Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand can come from the neck, shoulder or nerves along the arm. Learn the patterns, when it's minor, and when it needs prompt care.
Read guide →IA-SHO-SYM-001Night Pain and Pain Sleeping on the Shoulder
Shoulder pain that flares up at night or when lying on that side is a very common complaint. Learn the usual causes and practical ways to sleep better.
Read guide →IA-SHO-SYM-002Referred Pain to the Neck and Arm
Shoulder pain that travels into the neck or down the arm can come from the shoulder itself or from the neck. Learn how to tell the difference and what to do.
Read guide →IA-SHO-SYM-003Shoulder Clicking or Catching
Clicking, popping, or catching in the shoulder joint has several common explanations. Learn what usually causes it and when it's worth checking out.
Read guide →IA-SHO-SYM-004Shoulder Instability / Feeling of the Shoulder Giving Way
A shoulder that feels loose, slips, or gives way has specific common causes. Learn what usually drives instability and when it needs medical attention.
Read guide →IA-SHO-SYM-011Shoulder Pain After a Fall
Shoulder pain after a fall can mean a fracture, dislocation, ligament sprain or rotator cuff injury. Learn what to check, when it's urgent, and what helps.
Read guide →IA-SHO-SYM-005Shoulder Pain When Reaching Overhead
Pain when lifting your arm overhead is one of the most common shoulder complaints. Learn the usual causes, self-checks, and when to seek care.
Read guide →IA-SHO-SYM-010Shoulder Pain When Reaching Behind Your Back
Pain reaching behind your back is common with rotator cuff problems, impingement or frozen shoulder. Learn the patterns, what helps, and when to get assessed.
Read guide →IA-SHO-SYM-006Shoulder Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion
A stiff shoulder that won't move like it used to has several common causes, from frozen shoulder to arthritis. Learn what to check and when to get help.
Read guide →IA-SHO-SYM-007Shoulder Swelling
Swelling around the shoulder can range from mild puffiness to a clear sign of injury or infection. Learn the common causes and when it needs urgent care.
Read guide →IA-SHO-SYM-008Shoulder Weakness
Weakness in the shoulder can come from tendon irritation, a tear, or nerve involvement. Learn what usually causes it and when to get it checked.
Read guide →